About

The Center for Autism Research (CFAR) was established through a generous grant from the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) in 2010, with the aim of creating a center of excellence in autism research at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSH&RC).  CFAR conducts specialized research in the development, implementation, and sharing of diagnostic and therapeutic methods for individuals with autism. It is also establishing lists of current projects, research, and collaboration with local, regional and international centers and utilizes world-renowned experts in the various fields related to autism research, diagnosis, intervention, training, and dissemination of knowledge through lectures, workshops and training. The CFAR facilities have been expertly designed for the care and comfort of children with Autism and their families. Furthermore, it recruits best professionals needed for the projects such as Special Educationists, Speech & Language Pathologists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Social worker, Admin and Support staff.  The Center for Autism Research team has been working diligently to meet the objectives of creating a center of excellence in Autism research at KFSH&RC.

 

Research Activities                                         

  • To be a collaborative hub between all of the various experts within KFSH&RC and be the focused site for all current and intended collaborations with national, regional and international partners.
  • Educate professionals and families around the country so that they may benefit from the knowledge and method developed at Center for Autism Research.
  • Define the future success by the number of ASD children been served by our center.
  • Promote E-learning Technologies for Arabic-speaking ASD children.
  • Establish the capacity to perform research-reliable diagnosis of ASD.
  • Maintain to be the forefront of conducting and publishing research for ASD.
  • Translates socially and linguistically the latest tools and intervention programs for ASD.

 

Sections

  • Diagnosis and Intervention

The Centre socially and linguistically translates the latest tools and intervention programs. It validates and researches the use of state-of-the-art diagnosis and intervention tools. It is also developing and promoting the use of electronic learning and intervention tools such as the iPad for.

  • Research

The Centre conducts advance research into the genetic abnormalities of autism in Saudi Arabia. It is carrying out imaging research to look at the involvement and function of the brain in autism, to help in early diagnosis. It is also researching the use of advanced technology to analyze the speech and emotions of children with autism.

 

Education and Training

  • Programs and Workshops:
    • First Time Diagnosis.
    • Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).
    • Analysis of Neuroanatomic and Neurofunctional Substrates in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
    • Characterizing Genetic Abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Patients in Saudi Arabia.
    • Touch-Based Electronic Devices.
  • Training
    • Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
    • Ages and Stages Questionnaire - Third Edition.
    • Saudi National Professional Development Program on Autism Spectrum Disorder (SNPDP-ASD).